no wasnt a bent pin, i checked them first.
actually got the fix for this. i was able to get ahold of a tech pub from canon which reads:
Product : imageRUNNER 5000 / 6000
Title : Check Hopper Connection Message
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Problem :
The iR will display the message "Check Hopper Connection"
Solution :
If hopper Stir motor M9 is bad, the message will be displayed. To check the integrity of M9, a simple ohm test of connector J103B, pins 7 & 8 on the DC Controller should read about 43 ohms on a good motor. An open circuit or a ohm reading of 23 ohms or less would indicate a bad motor. There is 24 volts being supplied at power on to J103B pin 7 of M9 and the DC Controller monitors the return voltage of roughly 24v to 22v at J103B pin 8. If the return voltage at J103B pin 8 is not within specifications due to a bad M9, the DC Controller will generate the Check Hopper Connection Message. If 24 volts is missing at J103B pin 7, the DC Controller will need to be replaced. The part number for M9 is FH6-1435-000 and the DC Controller is FG6-4941-090.
NOTE:
Item #40 should be labeled as M10 and item #41 should be labeled as M9 on page 620 of the parts catalog.
"
and thats what the problem was, the m9 motor. now if only i had access to the other tech pubs, it might solve some other problems LOL. anyone have copies of any tech pubs?